South Africa’s rally-raid fans have a new young hero to watch. At just 20 years old, Saood Variawa claimed his very first SA Rally-Raid Championship victory on 16 August at the INGCO Vaal 400, the third round of the SA Rally-Raid Championship alongside French navigator, François Cazalet.
A win for Vaiawa and Cazalet and a win for Toyota Gazoo Racing, as the two stormed to victory with just 78 seconds between them and their nearest competitor. The race was packed with action, drama and dust, but both driver and navigator showed enormous grit and determination to stay ahead and secure the win.
We caught up with Variawa to hear how it all unfolded.
On the victory
How does it feel to take your very first SA Rally-Raid Championship victory at just 20 years old?
It’s amazing. It’s been a long time coming – we’ve been close so many times but it just didn’t click. This weekend it did. It wasn’t easy; we had a puncture on both days, but on Saturday we had clean air, found a good rhythm and that made the difference. We pushed hard and clenched the win! I’m really happy with my performance, my co-driver, the team and the car. We’ve put in a lot of hard work over the past few weeks and it all paid off.
What went through your mind when you realised you had crossed the finish line as the overall winner?
I had a feeling we’d won. I knew the gap to the car ahead and we managed to catch him quickly on the second loop. When we got to the pits and saw the team cheering, we knew. It was amazing. I’ve worked really hard for this, especially over the past year, and I was patient enough to wait for it.
On teamwork and the race itself
How important was your partnership with your navigator, François Cazalet, in securing this victory?
Your partnership with your co-driver has to be strong. I trust everything he says. Often you can’t see the corner – you’re relying on instinct and his description from the road book. We’re pushing 100% all the time and don’t always know what’s coming next. Building that trust and confidence takes time, but it’s vital.
Rally-raid is unpredictable – from dust to mechanicals to tough terrain. What was the most challenging part of the Vaal 400 for you?
It was the speed. The event was very fast, mostly in 5th or 6th gear. That means if you make a small mistake, the time loss is big. We managed it well this weekend, but in fast rallies, keeping mistakes to a minimum is everything.
How did you handle the pressure of racing against experienced names like Giniel de Villiers and Gareth Woolridge?
I handle pressure quite well. Racing against big names was a shock at first, but now I enjoy it. Competing against world champions and drivers I grew up watching is a great way to prove ourselves. We’ve shown good results recently, including in Aragon where our team won, and that gives us confidence going forward.
On career and personal growth
At only 20 years old, you’ve already made history with this win. Where do you see your rally-raid career heading from here?
I believe I’m the youngest winner in the SA Rally-Raid Championship. But the focus is on the season ahead – the World Championship and then Dakar in January. All the preparation and testing kilometres are building towards Dakar. Our results show how far we’ve come, and I’m happy with the progress.
What inspired you to pursue rally-raid racing, and who have been your biggest role models in the sport?
My dad. From day one I grew up watching him race. I was at every event, and it’s in my blood. He’s taught me everything, from karting through to rally-raid. Looking back at how far I’ve come, it really feels like a dream come true.
You’re driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing – what does it mean to you to be part of such a world-class team at this stage of your career?
This is my fourth year with Toyota Gazoo Racing. They trusted me from a young age and gave me incredible opportunities – to be the youngest factory driver, the youngest Dakar competitor, and the youngest in SA track racing. Having Toyota, one of the most powerful brands in the world, backing me is amazing. We’re working hard, the results are coming, and we’re only going to keep pushing.
On mindset and advice
Rally-raid racing demands focus, fitness, and resilience. What do you do to prepare yourself mentally and physically for races?
I train every day – cardio, weights, neck and shoulder training, and even boxing. Physically it’s tough, but mentally you also need to stay strong. You always have to arrive at each event with your head in the right place and bring your A-game.
What advice would you give to other young drivers who dream of competing and winning at this level?
Dream big, work hard, and never think it’s impossible. Dedication is everything.
Looking ahead to Round Four in the Western Cape, how are you approaching the challenge of a brand-new event on the calendar?
It’s a new round for me, so it’ll be something different. The goal is to win, but with the championship lead we also need to be consistent. We’ll give it everything as always.
Archie Rutherford, CEO of SA Rally-Raid, congratulated Variawa on his breakthrough victory concluding, “Saood’s performance at the Vaal 400 was nothing short of outstanding. To achieve this at just 20 years old shows the incredible talent and maturity he brings to the sport. He represents the next generation of rally-raid champions, and his win is an inspiration to every young driver dreaming of competing at the highest level. We look forward to watching his journey unfold, both here at home and on the international stage.”
Round Four of the SARRC will see teams taking on a new event on 19 and 20 September when they travel to the Western Cape to compete from Louvain Guest Farm situated in the upper Langkloof Valley, halfway between George and Uniondale on the N9.
Fans can follow the SA Rally Raid Championship on the RallySafe App, available as a free download from the iStore and Google PlayStore or on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sarallyraidchampionship;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarallyraidchampionship/ and : Youtube channel – @SouthAfricanRallyRaidSARRC for exclusive previews, driver interviews, live route updates and more in the lead-up to race weekend.
